2. Saints: Experience

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The Saints are the defending World Champions.

Last season they outlasted the Arizona Cardinals (the defending NFC Champs), the Minnesota Vikings (the preseason NFC favorites) and the Indianapolis Colts (always a contender) on the way to a Super Bowl win.

New Orleans has also taken down the mighty Falcons on the road this year, and the NFC playoffs will likely go through Atlanta.

The Saints undoubtedly have the experience of playing (and winning) in the playoffs that other NFC teams—like the Falcons—don't.

1. Steelers: Defense

The Steelers seem to always have a good defense, and that's been true again in 2010.

Pittsburgh ranks second in the NFL in total yards allowed (280.3 per game), first in rushing yards allowed (64.1 per game) and first in points allowed (14.9 per game).

The Steelers rank third in the league in third-down efficiency—opposing offenses convert just 33.3 percent of third-down tries.

Dick LeBeau's bunch has held its opponents to 17 points or fewer in 10 games this season, James Harrison has 10.5 sacks (12th in the league), LaMarr Woodley has nine sacks of his own and Troy Polamulu is tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions.

Lawrence Timmons (No. 9) and James Farrior (No. 22) are also two of the league's top tacklers.